The Gospels of Matthew and Luke identify Heli as the paternal grandfather of Jesus through Mary. While not explicitly stated as Mary’s father, the genealogy in Luke 3 traces Jesus’ lineage back through Mary, suggesting Heli held that role in her life. This differs from Matthew’s genealogy, which traces Jesus’ lineage through Joseph, highlighting the complexities of ancient genealogical records and their diverse purposes.
Understanding these familial connections provides valuable context for interpreting the New Testament narratives. Lineage played a crucial role in Jewish society, establishing legal rights, inheritance, and social standing. Presenting Jesus’ lineage through Mary in Luke’s Gospel served a theological purpose, potentially connecting him to King David and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The differences between the genealogies have generated much scholarly discussion, leading to various interpretations and attempts at reconciliation.